diabetes for all

1. Looking after your diabetes and having regular checks will help to delay
or even prevent the development of diabetes complications, including
problems with your feet.
What is checked?
Blood flow to the feet (circulation) Feeling and reflexes (nerves)
Foot shape Toenails
Skin – for dryness, calluses, corns, cracks or infections
Who checks?
A doctor, podiatrist or nurse will check your bare feet to assess whether your feet
have a LOW or HIGH risk of developing more serious problems.
How do you know if you have LOW risk feet?
Low risk feet have normal sensation and good blood flow.
How do you know if you have HIGH risk feet?
High risk feet have lost feeling (peripheral neuropathy) and poor blood flow
(peripheral vascular disease). People who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the
past have high risk feet. Feet with calluses or deformities like claw toes also have
increased risk if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present.
As well as following the tips for foot care below, people with HIGH risk feet must
take special care to avoid further problems. They are advised to see a podiatrist
with sound diabetes knowledge and in some cases may be referred to a specialist
or high risk foot clinic.
The booklet ‘Healthy Feet are Happy Feet’ is written especially for people with
high risk feet and is available from your State or Territory Diabetes Organisation
on 1300 136 588.
Damage to the nerves and the blood supply of the feet
caused by diabetes can put your feet at risk of damage.
This damage is more likely if you have had diabetes for a
long time, if blood glucose levels have been too high for
too long, if you smoke or are inactive.
Talking diabetes No.09
diabetes your feet
Reprinted August 2009 A diabetes information series from State / Territory organisations of Diabetes Australia – Copyright© 2009

2. diabetes your feet
Caring for your feet
Attend education groups at a podiatry or diabetes centre to find out how to
look after your feet (see page 4 for contact details).
Have your feet checked twice a year by your doctor or diabetes
health professional.
Know your feet well – wash, dry and look at your feet every day.
Get medical advice early if you notice any change or problem.
Cut your toenails straight across – not into the corners – and gently file any
sharp edges.
If you can’t properly see or reach your feet to cut your toenails, ask
someone to do it for you.
Use moisturisers to avoid dry skin.
Never use over-the-counter corn cures.
Don’t wear tight socks or stockings.
Buy supportive shoes that fit well – the right length (a thumb width longer
than your longest toe), width and depth.
Keep your feet away from direct heat such as heaters, hot water bottles
and electric blankets.
have your feet checked twice a year by y
Reprinted August 2009
2

3. Keeping your diabetes under control
It is important to:
Check and record your blood glucose levels regularly.
Keep your blood glucose levels within the recommended range
(usually 4-8mmol/L).
Be physically active.*
Eat healthily.
DO NOT SMOKE!
Make and keep (or if necessary re-schedule) all appointments with your
diabetes team.
Points to remember:
Low risk feet can become high risk feet without symptoms.
Knowing the risk and taking care of your feet prevents amputation.
It is important to have a professional foot check at least once a year.
More about podiatry
Some area health services and local councils offer subsidised podiatry•
services. Phone your local hospital, council or community health centre to
find out more.
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) gold card holders are entitled to free•
podiatry services from private podiatrists.
Private health funds cover some podiatry services.•
The Podiatry Association in your state will help you to find a podiatrist with •
specialised knowledge about diabetes.
A doctor can refer people with diabetes and serious foot problems (such as•
ulcers or neuropathy) to high risk foot clinics.
your doctor or diabetes health professional
*Check with your doctor or podiatrist before embarking on any form of weight bearing activity.
Reprinted August 2009
3

4. diabetes your feet
For further information contact
Your State Podiatry Association:
NSW 02 9698 3751 TAS 03 6344 2613
SA 08 8363 4144 VIC 03 9866 5906
QLD 07 3371 5800 WA 08 6389 0225
www.podiatry.asn.au
Australasian Podiatry Council Website: www.apodc.com.au
You may also find it useful to visit the website of the Diabetes Ambulatory
Care Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney NSW
www.diabetes.usyd.edu.au
Would you like to join Australia’s leading diabetes organisation?
Dietary services Free magazines Children’s services
Educational literature Product discounts Support groups
For more information phone 1300 136 588 or visit your State/Territory Organisation’s website:
ACT www.diabetes-act.com.au NSW www.diabetesnsw.com.au
NT www.healthylivingnt.org.au QLD www.diabetesqld.org.au
SA www.diabetessa.com.au TAS www.diabetestas.com.au
VIC www.diabetesvic.org.au WA www.diabeteswa.com.au
The design, content and production of this diabetes information sheet has been undertaken by:
Diabetes Australia – NSW Diabetes Australia – Victoria
Diabetes Australia – Queensland Diabetes Australia – Tasmania
Diabetes ACT Diabetes SA Diabetes WA Healthy Living NT
The original medical and educational content of this information sheet has been reviewed by
the Health Care and Education Committee of Diabetes Australia Ltd. Photocopying this publication
in its original form is permitted for educational purposes only. Reproduction in any other form
by third parties is prohibited. For any matters relating to this information sheet, please contact
National Publications at dapubs@tpg.com.au or phone 02 9527 1951.
Health professionals: For bulk copies of this resource, contact Diabetes Australia in your State/Territory.
Reprinted August 2009 A diabetes information series from State / Territory organisations of Diabetes Australia – Copyright© 2009